National Federation of Shopmobility

PO Box 6641
Christchurch
BH23 9DQ

Tel: 0845 644 2446
Fax: 0845 644 442
Web: www.shopmobilityuk.org
Best time to telephone: 8.15am - 4.30pm Mon - Thurs, 8.15am - 12.30 Fri.

Shopmobility is a scheme which lends powered and manual wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public with limited mobility, to shop and use the leisure and commercial facilities of their town or city centre. The scheme operates in many towns and cities throughout the UK.

Shopmobility provides a solution to many of the shopping problems faced by those who have impaired mobility. It is a service designed to meet the access and mobility needs of disabled or older visitors, whether travelling by public transport or by car. Many schemes provide manual wheelchairs and volunteer escorts. Others, in addition, provide powered scooters and wheelchairs which can be operated solely by the user. The beauty of the scheme is that it gives people a great deal of independence. They have the equipment and know-how to use it and can go anywhere they want within the town centre at their own pace. Shopmobility is available to anyone, young or old, no matter whether their mobility impairment is temporary or permanent, or caused by illness, accident or ageing.

Each scheme varies so you should contact your local scheme and a member of staff will give you all the information you need on how to use Shopmobility in your local area. To become an associate of the National Federation of Shopmobility, please contact the address above. As an associate you will pay a small annual registration fee and receive the Shopmobility Directory every 12 months. This has details of all the schemes plus information about mobility products and services.